The Federal Government has announced a six-week partial closure of sections of the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway to allow for urgent repair works on critical bridge components along the corridor.
The closure, which takes effect immediately, is being carried out by the Federal Ministry of Works and will affect the expansion joints at Kara Bridge, Magboro Bridge and Arepo–Punch Bridge.
According to the ministry, the decision followed the need to resume essential rehabilitation works on the Lagos-bound carriageway of Kara Bridge, which had earlier been suspended after widespread complaints from motorists over severe and prolonged traffic congestion.
Speaking with journalists during an inspection visit to Kara Bridge on Thursday, February 6, 2026, the Ogun State Federal Controller of Works, Michael Komolafe, tendered an apology to road users for the inconvenience the partial closure would cause, assuring that adequate traffic control measures would be put in place to minimise disruptions.
Komolafe explained that technical assessments revealed that the expansion joints on the three bridges had become badly worn and unsafe, posing serious risks to motorists and contributing to frequent accidents along the route.
He said the Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, had consequently directed that immediate repair works be carried out to prevent further deterioration and avert possible structural failure.
The federal controller disclosed that rehabilitation works had already been completed on one side of the Lagos-bound carriageways of both Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges.
He added that attention would now shift to the remaining sections, particularly the Ibadan-bound lanes, as part of the phased repair programme.
“The condition of these expansion joints has become critical. If left unattended, they could lead to more accidents and compromise the safety of road users. That is why the minister has ordered urgent intervention,” Komolafe said.
Also speaking, the contractor handling the project and General Manager of CBC Construction Company, Mr Andy Duan, confirmed that the repair works would last for six weeks.
He said mobilisation of equipment and materials would be completed over the weekend, while full construction activities would commence on Monday.
Duan explained that portions of the expansion joints at Magboro and Arepo–Punch bridges had already been repaired, while half of the Lagos-bound section of Kara Bridge had also been completed.
“At Kara Bridge, we have finished one half already. What remains is the other half. We had to suspend work temporarily to avoid worsening traffic conditions. Now, with fresh directives from the Ministry of Works, we are ready to resolve the problem completely,” he said.
He further noted that the expansion joint at Kara Bridge was in an extremely poor state and had been responsible for several road crashes in the past.
According to him, safety measures would be prioritised before traffic diversions begin, with the installation of barriers to secure the work area, as well as the placement of traffic signs, warning lights and other protective devices to ensure the safety of both motorists and construction workers.
Duan added that the work would be executed in phases to reduce traffic disruption, explaining that each bridge would take approximately one week to complete on the Ibadan-bound side.
“We intend to complete half of each expansion joint within a week. For the three bridges on the Ibadan-bound carriageway, the work will be phased so that traffic impact is minimised,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kehinde Hamzat, assured motorists that adequate arrangements had been made to ensure smooth traffic flow throughout the duration of the repairs.
Hamzat warned road users against driving against traffic or disobeying traffic instructions, stressing that offenders would be arrested and sanctioned accordingly.
He explained that the repair works were necessitated by reports of failing expansion joints, which had created dangerous ditches on the road and led to several crashes, especially around Kara Bridge.
The FRSC boss appealed to motorists to remain patient and cooperative, describing the temporary closure as a necessary intervention aimed at improving safety and preserving the integrity of one of the country’s busiest highways.
“This inconvenience is temporary, but the benefits will be long-term. Once completed, these repairs will significantly enhance safety and driving comfort on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway,” Hamzat said.
